21. Maven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpJshxa7ryM The smallest name with the smallest pedigree of our 30, Maven pulled off the biggest shock in Rumble history when he eliminated the Undertaker in 2002 - which turned out to be undoubtedly the highlight of the Tough Enough winner's career that only spanned 3 and half years. The following Rumble, Maven hoped lightning would strike twice, but his dropkick and premature celebration wasn't enough to put out Taker and he was dispatched of by the American Bad Ass is quick fashion.
20. Chris Jericho
Making his surprise return this year after a 5 month hiatus, Jericho lasted a highly impressive 47 minutes, contributing to his new accolade of having the most Rumble minutes without ever winning. Jericho made a rocky start to Rumble life in 2000 - being eliminated by Chyna of all people - and it wasn't until 2003 that he made his second appearance, using crafty heel tactics to dispose of Shawn Michaels. His best run came last year, in second place to Sheamus. Unfortunately for Chris, it wasn't the end of the world as we know it.
19. Chris Benoit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGRB8lv352g The second man to win from the #1 spot has obviously been wiped from memory but it is impossible to wipe him from the history books. Lasting what was then the longest time in existence at 1:01:30 (and now only 2nd to Mysterio), Benoit eliminated 6 men including lastly the Big Show. He would go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship at possibly the biggest WrestleMania yet, sharing a poignant moment with his good friend, the WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero in what became an iconic image. The following year, luck conspired against the two as they opened the 2005 Royal Rumble.
18. Jim Duggan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUkuQQM5-WA Unlucky for some, number 13 proved fortunate for Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the first ever Royal Rumble way back in 1988. Although featuring just 20 men, it included legendary names such as Bret Hart, Jake Roberts, the Ultimate Warrior and Harley Race. Duggan wouldn't get to defend his crown the next year, needing to waiting three years before another. After his 1992 appearance, it would be a record gap of 17 years before you would see Jim Duggan in the Rumble again - making a showing in 2009 and then again in 2011, 25 long years since his victory.
17. Sheamus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QPWjqVIhrA Flying the flag for this continent's shores as the only European to achieve victory, Irishman Sheamus is the only winner from the last 5 years who has gone on to win at WrestleMania; beating Daniel Bryan in the infamous 18-second encounter. In one of the greatest climaxes to a Rumble, favourites Sheamus and Chris Jericho battled alone for 7 minutes before a Brogue Kick knocked off Y2J. Winning at only the second attempt, Sheamus' third shot this year was another valiant effort - coming in third and lasting a good 37 minutes.
16. Vince McMahon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIN-xaKlWLI The chairman of the board, CEO and (scarily) former WWE and ECW Champion, used every dirty trick in the book to get the better of Stone Cold in 1999 for one of the most shocking conclusions in history. The plan would ultimately backfire, as surrendering his WrestleMania title shot meant then Commissioner Shawn Michaels handed the shot to the person who came second - Austin. Cowardly, conniving and cunning, McMahon proved that if he wanted to win, he could.
15. Bob Backlund
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLmrFwKR8xo While not quite as revolutionary as Roger Bannister's under 4 minute mile, Bob Backlund was the first man in the Royal Rumble to last for a whole hour - and he didn't even win! Owner of both one of the longest and shortest WWE Championship reigns ever (at 5 years and 3 days respectively), Backlund returned for a short stint in the WWE in 2000, beginning with an unexpected comeback at the Rumble. As one of the Hall of Fame class 2013, Backlund will be the 38th Royal Rumble competitor to be inducted.